The Heritage Foundation - Leadership for America

October 2, 2009 Bill San Antonio TX writes:

So, Obama is going to continue taking us down this road of taxation and spending; even if it destroys the economic opportunities of most Americans for decades - for a relative few Americans, including the soon-to-be, amnesty-granted, former Illegals?

Why do I believe this administration will destroy this country before they will admit they are wrong - and just stop the ___ spending and taxation!

The First lady is talking about the “sacrifice” she and mega-rich Opra did on our behalf. You have to be kidding me. The Games will ensure that somehow the Feds will spend even more of our money bailing out Chicago’s massive cost over runs!

The only sacrifice I see is the massive “re-distribution” of America’s wealth on a silver platter. How about cutting taxes and spuring job creation? Oh, that’s right, the “shovel-ready” jobs in the “stimulus” plan will fix everything.

This arrogant bunch can take solice in the fact they will all be responsible for the destruction of Americans’ prosperity, wealth and opportunity. THAT will be their legacy, one of disgrace and disgust.

Now America finally knows what happens when you put Marxist-leaning idealists in total power. It must be great fun to gamble with an unlimited expense account. These people should resign for incompetence immediately.

Not only will the job los continue since we are not stimulating small businesses and banks are not lending OUR money BACK TO US, but we will continue to be fed LIES about “saving” jobs - an unmeasurable statistic.

Remember, none of this is their fault. You will hear the same excuse again at - hopefully - the end of his administration on Jan. 20, 2013. The next President will not have any money or credit.

October 2, 2009 Gerald Fraynert, Maryland writes:

Why is anyone suprised by all of this gloom and doom. This is exactly what the Obama Adminstration and the Congress wanted to happen. Destroying peoples lives is what being a Democrat is all about.

October 2, 2009 PatR Virginia Beach, VA writes:

If Obama had an honest bone in his body, he would have implemented the tried and true principles of tax cuts and tax break incentives for job creation. Alas, his words do not match his deeds. You can only gather from his actions that his real intentions is to bring down the economy and increase unemployment thus increasing the number of uninsured requiring extended unemployment benefits and government run healthcare. He lied regarding the illegal immigrants being covered by his healthcare bill. First he has no bill or plan. Secondly, shortly after lying to both houses and to the American people, he addressed a Latino group espousing amnesty for illegals which would have them covered. Third, the democrat congress turn down the republican amendment making it necessary to show an ID verifying qualification for receiving healthcare. Obama is quickly and not so quietly taking America the way of all other socialist countries by building a bigger voting block of people dependant on government for their existance.

October 2, 2009 Ongoing Concerns With This President and His Administration! « A Nation ADrift-Why? writes:

[...] http://blog.heritage.org/2009/10/02/morning-bell-the-obama-jobs-gap-grows-again/ [...]

October 2, 2009 HDyke, Uncasville, CT writes:

Hello Heritage Foundation,
Sorry about the late comment …

Isn’t CZAR a TITLE OF NOBILITY?

Wouldn’t that make the effort an UNCONSTITUTIONALITY under

Article 1 Section 9,

Economic CZAR, whatever

Why don’t they get their ego’s in the nation they are claiming to be part of the government of?

Again with all respect to those placing the
USA Constitution in heirarchy of Laws of the USA,
god bless.

Ms Dyke

October 2, 2009 Unemployment Inches Up to 9.8 Percent « OSPRI BLOG writes:

[...] read the Washington Post here. For some good analysis of this issue visit the Heritage Foundation here and the Wall Street Journal [...]

October 2, 2009 LeRoy Reed writes:

Obama is a phoney along with all the rest of the government. All Obama has time to do is run around the country . He is still campaigning! Can’t figure out why, I don’t know a soul who who would vote for him or any of the others in congress. He wishes to ruin us, so they can fill their pockets…We know he sees what is happening in other countries, but he does not care………..

October 2, 2009 Van writes:

Kid Mao (Obama) and his commrades are in over their heads running this country except for running it “into the ground”. He hasn’t did one thing to improve this country yet and infact it is getting worse. Please, get the elections here as soon as possible. I’m not in favor of becoming a full blown socialist like he wants us to be.

October 2, 2009 samuel writes:

THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT HAVE NOT LOST JOBS, IS GOVERNMENT JOBS. IN FACT GOVERNMENT JOBS HAS INCREASED. IF YOU ARE IN THE GOVERNMENT EDUCATION SYSTEM . YOU HAVE A JOB FOR LIFE. EDUCATION (UNIONS) TEACHERS ARE UNDER PAID. TEACHERS, TEACH THE SAME THING YEAR AFTER YEAR. FOR THIRTY PLUS YEARS TEACHERS GO TO SCHOOL AND TEACH THEIR SAME PLAN. BUT YET THEY DON’T GET PAID ENOUGH.

THEY KEEP PUSHING THEIR AGENDS YEAR AFTER YEAR. IF YOU WORK FOR GOVERNMENT. YOU HAVE A JOB.

LET’S START CUTTING THESE GREAT PAYING GOVERNMENT JOBS AND ALL THEIR GREAT BENEFITS.

THE OTHER THING IS THEY ARE NEVER OUTSOURCED TO INDIA, CHINA, HONDUROUS AND THE LIKE.

ANY GOVERNMENT WORKER SHOULD PAY MORE TAXES.

October 2, 2009 Christopher Popham Smith, Boston, Ma. writes:

As an amateur economic observer, I note that
9.8 unemployment is perhaps very good spin.
However, I suspect that the real, actual figure is @17%.
Indeed, unless the markets and the government begin to incentivise small to medium entrepreneurs, then a very slow economic recovery prevails, and with that, a long, possibly 10 year overall return to a healthy fiscal climate for America is all we have to look forward to.

October 2, 2009 Earl, Queens, NY writes:

Now unemployment’s at 9.8%. BHO keeps lying about millions of jobs being saved by the worthless $787 billion porkulus bill. Anybody who still believes his drivel probably believes in the tooth fairy. BTW, does anyone remember the 1980 campaign? I think Ronald Reagan said something like: Recession is when your neighbor loses his job. Depression is when you lose your job. Recovery is when President Carter loses his job. Hopefully in 2012 we’ll have strong GOP candidates who can say that…..Recovery will come when Obama, Pelosi and other democraps lose their jobs!!

October 2, 2009 Chuck Dennis, San Jose Calif. writes:

“So What Went Wrong?” you ask…

How can an ‘alledged stimulous’ work if the money is NOT spent. Only, what, 4% of the $787 Billion has been released and that money did not go to create ‘jobs.’

The question to ask is, why has the bulk of the money been held back?

So, as Obama has said, the stimulous is ‘working’ AS PLANNED. It’s been used for payoffs and payback by Obama NOT to create jobs.

The devious plan is to release the money in 2010 in time to aid Democrats in re-election bids.

At that point, it won’t matter that it won’t create long term jobs. It can produce a lot of short term jobs on projects that Obama is lying about now.

October 2, 2009 Chuck Dennis, San Jose Calif. writes:

Spelled stimulus wrong. Ohh well…

October 2, 2009 American Grand Jury writes:

[...] source: The Heritage Foundation [...]

October 2, 2009 Whicket Williams Kingsbury, Tx writes:

Everybody who has lost a job OR is prevented form starting or expanding a business because of all this, Needs to first get A map of your voting district Call everybody you know in that district. Tell everybody Who is enthusiastic about turning this around to call everybody they know Do this seven times, by then you will have found everybody in your district who wants to take back his/her freedom to prosper. Get them all together, and find one among you who you know and trust.Elect6 a candidate YOU know and trust, or at least know someone who knows and trust your candidate. Get him to take the seat away from the career politician who now holds it, who has betrayed you.Stick with those who support a REAL change, ignore those who do not. Start now, stay focused, and by election day you will have a landslide. If Everybody will do this, and stay focused on YOUR district,We will take it ALL. be not distracted by Party lies. Get A candidate you trust to listen to YOU instead of party lies, and call him anything you want.

October 2, 2009 harleyj writes:

You people gave Ronald Reagan credit for the economic expansion which took place during the second Clinton term…that is, eight years after Reagan left office, the expansion was in full force and Republicans claimed it was all because of Ronald Reagan that we had three balanced/surplus budgets under Bill Clinton. Thus, it stands to reason that we should at least blame Ronald Reagan and G H W Bush and Bill Clinton for the problems in today’s economy and not the person who has only been in office for less than 9 months. Of course, it is really Truman’s fault, isn’t it! Oh, You illogical freaks!!!!

October 2, 2009 Martin/Georgia writes:

Obama and the Dems are systematically killing our country. This is treason.

October 2, 2009 Ted Moore Grand Prairie, Texas writes:

I believe as Rush Limbaugh, that Obama hates this country and is hell bent on destroying America and giving reparations to everyone he feels has wronged the left,Obama and his crony’s will not stop until the conservatives stand up and boot these people out of office during the upcomeing elections, but I am afraid that the damage will be done and will require alot of work and time for the conservatives to get this country back on the right track and resind what the left has put in place in order to convert America into a socialist utopia[ not such a thing]. I feel strongly that the American people will prevail and we will eventually take back this great country and bring back the values that made us great, can you say GOD, I can and hopefully so will the rest of the rest of the country, our founders certaintly were not afraid to sat it.

October 2, 2009 mike hutchings texas writes:

Contrary to the notion that unemployment is a bad thing for all of us, it is not so for the NEW AGE LUDDITES that roam the halls of power and stomp common sense solutions as vigoriously as their name sakes smashed machines to hold back the industrial revolution. in their small grasping hearts they understand that dictatorial power as they want is going to be replaced due to the portablity of money and the value of individual knowledge.

They wish to extend their power into more sectors of the economy and bring us all to heel as good citizens of the world ;and not selfish Americans bent on melting the polar icecaps; before the next generational shift occurs and leaves them sinking into the tar pits and bellowing slogans as mammoths trumpted their distress before they finally vanished into the goo.

we have experienced a coup in the stlye of the third world we are enjoined to model our selves after, as we walk small and humble about our wasteful lives, begging to be punished for being the beacon of freeedom and prosperity that unsettles marxists world wide by making populations harder to contain when they strive for things of their own that and abandon the altars of oppression laid out by red handed masters.

unemployment is a device of the academic and political elite that sees ordinary people as parasites and blotches on the pure white canvas they see the world as. they generally think to manage people like a herd of unruly cows that if not properly sedated and held in check by the crisis of the day, might blunder into carefully erected fences of thought and cause untold havoc on computer models and throw off their static equations, so much so, that a new public relations drive might be called for.if global warming and its failed cousin global cooling will not do it something other than weather which is ideal because everyone talks about it, will have to be rolled out.

in the mean time keep up the pressure and know that when, not if we stop this latest round of attacks by the regressive marxists we will have to get our own conservative house in order.

October 2, 2009 Lloyd Scallan - New Orleans writes:

When is everyone going to understand that whatever
Obama says or has said in the past is a lie. Because the left-wing national media completely protects him, thus he has no fear of being held accountable.

October 2, 2009 Richard Cancemi, Arlington, TX writes:

When reading today’s alert, Bernie Madoff came to mind. He promised big things and it all ended in disaster; all was lost!

Obama promises big things, and like Madoff’s “investors”, we are headed for disaster; we’re going to lose our country!

Obama is as much a con man as Madoff was. Now Madoff is in jail. Where should Obama be?

The only truth from Obama was his statement of “change”. But, his plan of “change” was to make it a Marxist Thugocracy and deliver the “Socialist States of America” over to the “United Nations of Thugs”.

He said to judge him by the people around him. Take a good look at his czars and take a good look at to whom he cow-tows on the international scene.

Jimmie Carter, who is considered the worst President we ever had, will have to move to second place now, after Obama!

October 2, 2009 Dennis A. Social Circle Ga. writes:

The dems and obama are and have been blowing smoke to make us believe the woods are on fire. The economy has gotten worse since 1/20/09 when the “chosen one” began his rule. I do not see it getting any better soon. We as voters must act in 2010, vote the dems out of office, and put someone in that has some common sense.Voteing is our only hope for the future of this country!

October 2, 2009 Bob Veigel, Arlington, TX writes:

And the unemployment rate is going to get higher and higher. It is already close to 20%. In addition, with all the stupid administration programs in place or will soon be in place, there will be no job growth. The sad part, this no job growth approach, may be by design.

October 2, 2009 Bill San Antonio TX writes:

Dear Harleyj,

It’s not so much the 9 months in office but WHAT he has done and HOW he has done it.

I’ll try to be logical. You know, like the “stimulis” bill with its “shovel-ready” projects. Only 17% of the money has been spent. The bill got pushed through (BARELY). As we now know, NO ONE READ IT, but we would not want a little thing like that to get in the way, would we? Where is the job stimulation? Where are the jobs? What jobs were saved? And, why was it paramount to shove it through without TRANSPARENCY? Remember THAT promise?

Where is the 5 day waiting period for a bill on the internet to review? That never happened from the beginning! Is that a Lie or a “well-intentioned” campaign promise?

I could go on, but you are obviously not very well-informed on what Obama and congress have been doing. I would appreciate you explaining to me the great things that have been accomplished and why.

I would be careful about using the term “illogical”.

And, yes, I know, “It’s George W, Bush’s fault”. I’ve heard our President whine and complain ENOUGH over 9 months. It’s been very “stimulating” and “presidential”.

You and he win - I’m brainwashed.

October 2, 2009 It Wasn’t Supposed To Be This Way « NWI Patriots Blog writes:

[...] is up to 9.8%, and another 263,000 jobs lost under the Obama administration last [...]

October 2, 2009 Duke, Ohio writes:

Is the honeymoon over yet?

October 2, 2009 Whicket Williams Kingsbury, Tx writes:

Hey, Par virginia beach Have you started yet? You ask for a plan I gave it to you

October 2, 2009 jim toledo writes:

I think we are witnessing the worst political disaster in our nations history. It’s like we’re being forced to watch a comedy of errors and when you think it can’t get worse,it does. Unemployment is through the roof, banks are still sitting on piles of money, bailouts are continueing, czars are being appointed, did I mention Charlie Rangel is still the head of Means and Ways committee, healthcare that isn’t real healthcare reform is being pushed down our throats, the corruption surrounding Acorn and Washington is ubbelieveable, we can’t decide if we want to fight a war or not, we’re not sure if we want to win, we’re trying to sign cumbia to Iran and did I mention we spent the most money in our countries history this year and it looks like we’re going to exceed that in 2010. And we can’t even get it right to land the Olympics in Chicago for 2016. Hope and change you can believe in, pathetic.

October 2, 2009 harleyj writes:

I didn’t mean Jesus Christ was bad…I meant RWR was not so hot as history revisionists would have us all believe or as Christ-like as you Heritagers pretend he was when you compare him to other presidents. So, if Obama drops as low as Reagan did for RWR’s first three years, I will keep my word and put him in Reagan’s category….

So, today’s Heritage news is that Obama’s unemployment is up..but not as far up as Reagan’s got to after a year in office…10.4% in January of 1982!!! It took RWR 3 years to get unemployment down to what, 9.4% & 2 1/2 years to get it below 10.1% (July 1983).

Whatever happened to that “balanced budget” Reagan promised he’d get us within three years after he was elected with his “supply side”, “trickle down” & “borrow and spend” policies? Let’s see! How many huge budget deficits did RWR have? I think it was 8!

Man, y’all set awful low standards for Republicans; and you demand so much from those bad old Dems! Children, please!!!

Why don’t we hold Obama to Reagan’s first three year standard? If he has as poor a record (unemployment, debt to GDP ratio, etc.) as Reagan had in his first three years; even his first 4 years, lets get all upset and re-elect him in his fourth year like we did RWR!!! After all, unemployment wasn’t but 7.5% under Reagan in 1984.

October 2, 2009 LeRoy Reed writes:

How in the world did we manage to get such a greedy bunch in the government? Plus an idiot for President? The people who voted for change hopefully will not be happy with it and vote all of these jerks out of office!!! You know,I really hate to call him President!!!! Don’t think McCain would have been much better. I think he felt up-staged by Palin. He treated her terribly. Really hope she makes a big come back . She is one smart woman!!!!

October 2, 2009 AndyB, South FL writes:

I wish all bloggers would concentrate on the here and now, instead of trying to lay blame on past administrations. We are in deep doo doo. By next summer, true unemployment will be over 20%, There WILL BE DOUBLE existing bankruptcies and foreclosures, 300+ more banks will fail. It is obvious that this President, no matter how well-intentioned (I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt), is clueless and takes his marching orders from those who do not have this Country’s best interests as policy. He’s an obvious lightweight, both domestic and foreign, and I’m guessing that we’ll be seeing impeachment calls by the 4th of July; an especially appropriate date.

October 2, 2009 Bill, San Antonio TX writes:

Dear harleyj,

Are you by any chance a member of ACORN?

What is with the hero worship of this guy?

um. um. um.

October 2, 2009 Michael - New York New York writes:

Obama promised the U.S. will host the 2016 Olympics, unemployment will not go beyond 8.0%, just some more examples of the administration’s abject failures

October 2, 2009 Ella QUINN N.C. writes:

IN 9 months obama unemployment is 9.8 percent. What do you think it will be in 9 more months harleyj? You are giving him to much creidt.It is not george bush fault for what obamas does.Obama has to take blame for his own doing, which is all wrong.

October 2, 2009 Ella QUINN N.C. writes:

No never elect obama again, we cannot harley bare him for president as it is.I did not nor would i ever vote for some one like him.I wish the ones who like the way he is could really see him the way we on here do.He does not care about our country america or us as america people.

October 2, 2009 paul collins.the villages,fl. writes:

Let’s get real people.things are happening just as obama wants them to.He does’t want unemployment to decrease,the more people unemployed,the more that have to depend on the government.Check the rates of the dictatorships under his buddies in south america.I’m sure they are higher than ours.When we reach thet level, obama will say the only way to save us will be to declare him president for life.ARE THESE PEOPLE REALLY THAT STUPID OR THAT ARRIGANT.FIRST, CARTER SAYS THAT WE ARE RACIST IF WE OPPOSE OBAMA.NOW THAT IDIOT FROM ORLANDO STATES THAT REPUBLICANS JUST WANT PEOPLE WHO GET SICK TO DIE QUICKLY.I’M ASHAME TO SAY HE IS FROM FLORIDA.HE IS TOO DUMB TO REALIZE THAT HE JUST CUT HIS OWN THROAT.

October 2, 2009 He Should Have Stayed Home writes:

[...] Where’s that stimulus? U.S. Sept non-farm payrolls fall, jobless rate up (Reuters) from Yahoo! News: Top Stories. Where are all those new jobs that Obama promised? Morning Bell: The Obama Jobs Gap Grows Again [...]

October 2, 2009 Mike Sheahen, Hickory, North Carolina writes:

Both that which is so quickly becoming a most historically staggering loss of businesses and jobs, and the other economic and personal destruction being caused by the antics and machinations of Obama and his Comrades, and the worst of it all which is yet to come, thanks to them, can all in fact be shown as the results of his and their so-called “Progressive (Leftist)” government elitist and statist power and money-grabbing agenda.

That agenda of theirs can in fact and reality be shown in the following sort of mathematical expression:

The more so-called “Progressive (Leftist)” government elitist and statist demagoguing and pandering which leads to government intrusion into, take-over, and even destruction of businesses, jobs, and even lives, at the expense of our control, and even the existence, of our own lives, businesses, and jobs;

Plus, the more resulting destruction of such as (but not limited to) businesses and jobs;

Equals the vicious circle of more fuel for them to demagogue and pander to promote ever more dependence upon government, which creates ever more dependants upon them in government, which takes away our control of our rights and freedoms, and “just happens” to get them into ever more power.

So what can those of us whom our Constitution identifies as “We, the People” do?

We can truly educate and inform our fellow citizens (which the “Progressives” controlling academia, government, and the media won’t do), that will cause the return to our Constitutional foundation and principle of limited government, and help save what remains of our rights and freedoms.

Of course we must also use both our “right to recall (out of office)” and our right to vote (through secret ballot) everywhere and every time we can do so before, as incredible as it may seem, the so-called “Progressives (Leftists)” take those rights and freedoms away from us also, including in workplaces where they are already striving to do so!

October 2, 2009 Ken Jarvis - Las Vegas writes:

The Obama Jobs Gap Grows Again
HOT DOG!!!!! HOT DOG!!!!!
GOOD NEWS!!! GOOD NEWS!!!
It is working -
the GOP IS MAKING AMERICA FAIL.
GOP - Your hate is paying off.

October 2, 2009 Ben C, Ann Arbor, MI writes:

Thank you Olympic Committee. I am sure the “right” will be blamed for Chicago’s elimination in the first round despite Obama’s sales pitch. My guess is the the Committee realizes our country is broke and Obama annoyed them. The charm didn’t work. Maybe the teleprompter didn’t make the trip - who knows. In any event his Chicago buddies won’t be getting any contracts to build useless stuff and we taxpayers won’t be burdened with the debt. Its been a good day.

October 2, 2009 Judith in Michigan writes:

Re: Quick hit: Kerry blocks DeMint travel to Honduras…

So, Mr. Kerry is using threats and intimidations to cow and prevent Mr. DeMint from visiting Honduras to find out what is really happening there. Isn’t that the usual mode of operation of Democrats? Let’s face it. Most Democats today are Socialist/Marxist sympathizers, are they not? (Please, don’t waste time hyper-ventilating by you fellow sympathizers. It won’t change facts)

If you disagree, would you please name one Dem. who stands against Socialism/Marxism?
One who defends The United States of America?
One who defends The Constitution?
One who defends liberty?
Just one?
Anybody?

October 2, 2009 ken in Santa Barbara writes:

Harleyj, A bit of fresh air in these doldrums.

Bill San Antonio,just because someone says something you don’t like or agree with why toss the slur?
I have no idea whether or not you have read the bill, or do you rely on reactions from Mr Carroll? the HF? or other sources?
As for logic, fact, and transparency. Two thirds of the bill was for Gov. spending and one third was for tax cuts with tax credits a part of the plan. Once the bill was passed barely or not, the money still goes thru appropriations. It was not a one year pour it down the tube bill (a multi year package with the majority to be spent in the first three years). Money spent in haste is not always money well spent, I think you might agree. Therefore not all of the money was allocated for this year. Even with that, many of the recipients have not gotten their part done to get that money into circulation. An msnbc.com review of federal spending data shows the money is flowing at a trickle. Not good and not bad. I hope to see it start flowing as would many economists before it becomes an inflationary problem. Social Security has used up most of it’s allocation as well as Health and Human Services and agriculture.
To get back back to percentages you are quoting overall approximate percentages (total spending). The spending allocation for 2009 is over 35%.
Lets’ keep it civil and try to work together. You can’t beat anybody with bad words and slander so show some maturity and lets play ball.

October 2, 2009 Al, The Villages, Fl writes:

I’m not sure anything went wrong. I’m not sure that the Obama administration’s goal is to make American prosperous again. Obviously if it is, they are on the wrong track. But I think they don’t intend to “fix” the economy and jobs until after they have a secular progressive government. Then they will fix whatever they fell like fixing (if they can, which I doubt). Sharing the wealth is not my idea of what government should be about. On the other hand if we are all government employees, we will have a good health care plan. Only challenge is to find someone who will fund the government.

October 3, 2009 Andy Sulskis, Keshena, Wi writes:

The patient is getting weaker. Our physician and soothesayer President Obama prescribes more leeches to drain blood as the cure. Extend benefits, give money to ACORN, and do not ever consider tax breaks to stimulate the economy. His taxes and social plans are the leeches that will keep us weak. Tax cuts will revive the patient.

October 3, 2009 icono1 writes:

Vote this Kool Aid Communist, his Czars, as well as all Socialistic-Marxist politicians out of our Govt ASAP.
We must remember that the Govt set up for us by the Founding Fathers was designed around ‘We the People’ not ‘Them The Govt’.

October 3, 2009 Al Reasin writes:

I believe that the problem is uncertainty; both political and economic. My small business friend has experienced stringing out of decisions on contracts he is bidding on, therefore he has had to lay off 3 of his workers. I have shifted my bond investments to Europe since the US government, with GM and Chrysler, shows it is ignoring the rule of law and is not being called on it. I lost $100,000 in Lehman Brothers bonds held in my retirement IRA and the government allowed $2.5 billion in assets to be paid to their management after bankruptcy. Now there are considerably less assets to distribute to those who hold Lehman Brothers paper.

I cannot trust my government to do what is right, just what is politically expedient for them, causing uncertainty and unheard of corruption in modern America.

October 3, 2009 GloriaNewton,Romulus,Mich writes:

Well I don’t agree with some things that Obama is doing,I have seen some good things that he has done.And I do not feel that it’s ethical to judge him on the system failure after barely being in office not even one year- what was left on his plate to clean up anoher ones mess!! He come into some trash .Never, and I do mean never did anyone say what Bush left behind, or did wrong while he was in office-and I voted for him!When Bush did things that were not good for the economy nobody said nothing.It was SEE NO EVIL,SPEAK NO EVIL,and HEAR NO EVIL.Why did not any of you blog about the economy,etc when he was in office-(You know why).I will continue to pray.Thank you for your time.

October 3, 2009 Bill San Antonio TX writes:

Dear Ken in Santa Barbara, CA.

First of all there was no “slur”.

I asked him if he worked for ACORN. I do not. Do you?

Second, you are missing the whole point. You said a lot of stuff that can be easily condensed.

I agree that it takes time for money to work its way through the system. Why, then, did we get all the bull about “shovel-ready” projects? Why, then, was the bill pushed through so quickly? This staggering amount of money and we can’t review it properly for a couple of months?

Moreover, why was is not posted (remember the 5 day statement by Obama)or was that just another carrot to get elected?

Why was their no time to review it by anyone?

Why was 1/2 of America not properly represented by even allowing them on key committees? That’s a heckuva way to UNITE the people.

We could not read it but Pelosi flys to Italy to receive an award that night?

We could not read it but Obama flys to Colorado to announce it “days” later?

ALL recessions are cyclical. You come out of some faster than others. As for the stimulus, by your admission, it takes “time” to work. So how can Biden run around and tell everyone that the stimulus saved us and is working great?

I, “sir”, am tired of the spending which will cause another recession and result in inflation. The stimulus is a hollow shell. We are not stimulating small business who provide the MAJORITY of jobs. Government jobs will expand and that is the intent with this administration. What we once considered the “middle class” will shift downward and merge with the “poor”. There will be no meaningful numbers of jobs when we “come out” of the recession because small business will have been further decimated by even more taxes.

Answer one question, how is it that progressive California wound up in the shape it is? Your state is entitlement rich, sanctuary city positive, and leftist controlled. Your farmers are looking at dusty fields, and can get no water, because of a minnow?

Do you really want America modeled after this? I lived in California 20 years ago and it sickens me to see what has happened to her.
But, Californians can only blame themselves.

In closing, there is NOTHING that can be done unless President Obama stops spending and borrowing. These Keynesian economics are going to indebt us - forever.

October 3, 2009 J. White, retired [conservative] college Prof. writes:

Gee, thanks, Professor Barro-
But, what you have said about there being NO empirical evidence that a so-called “stimulus” from ANY government creates jobs via a “multiplier effect” is well known by any Business Admin grad from the 60’s and 70’s.

WE learned thisenfrom kindergarden to grad scholl without ever having to work a day in their arrogant useless lives; AND, are totaslly clueless about how the economics of a nation really function. They need to look at Ireland which dropped its corporate income taxes way down….like Reagan????.

TAX CUTS produce wealth for all. A rising tide- raises all boats- Folks at the bottom of the economic heap, too as more jobs are created because those with the money want to make more and are willing to invest it in our and their future.

Thank you,sincerely, sir for stating the obvious for those of us who DO pay attention to reality.

October 3, 2009 J. White, retired [conservative] college Prof. writes:

I made a few typos with my partially non-functional hand- Thanks, Prof. Barro.
It is very hard to respect people who profess to know more about us than we do ourselves…like the obama and his childish socialist ilk.
To wax a bit sarcastic- isn’t it a true pity that we are not as brilliant as they are?

It is a good thing that we are not.

Tax cuts are the only way revenues HISTORICALLY have ever risen. Why do these “children” keep denying reality? They are a reflection of their equally childish “professors”.

October 3, 2009 Ken in Santa Barbara writes:

Judith et. al.,

If it’ll help you sleep at night Arlen Spector says he is a Democrat, is he? Jim Webb?

Michigan has a Democratic Governor, two Democratic Senators, and 43% of it’s 14 district rep’s are Democrats. I’m not sure where or what your are getting to with your question or if Michigan is the exception or the rule?.

The fact the same oath of office is administered to all congressional office holders and all Presidents take the same oath, all( Republicans and Democrats) are elected by their districts, or states directly answers your question.

The fact is that the majority on this page refuse to understand,in some cases believe, and many flat deny that the overwhelming(or unusual) turnout of voters elected this congress and president to speak for them, the majority of the citizens of this country.

While the whining here has become common as drought, the respect, no I would call it disrespect, here for the outcome and in favor of the the majority was surprising and reflects a hatred and incendiary attitude and that could be a match for the attitudes between certain tribes (and countries) in the mid-east and the Africa.

To deny their service to our country and the dedication to our flag and our constitution as if it was ok to somehow treat them as your flag and your constitution and your will of your people is laughable.

As an opponent to much of what this group of dissatisfied, spite driven citizens (I would think?) espouses, I am glad that those who serve in congress and the Presidency will not and cannot take away my right and your right to speak your mind however inaccurate or emotionally charged it might become.

If you would choose to secede I will back you and gladly give you Texas as mentioned on this inciteful e-org by the followers of Mr. Carroll, the M.B. and the HF. Do not expect the rest of us who truly care about all of the citizenry of our United States to leave the country we also love or change just because this segment is unhappy. We welcome your input and their is still time and room for us to make America a better place…..it’s somewhere around but not necessarily in the “absolute” middle.
Come on in…..and try to enjoy and solve for us all.

October 3, 2009 Harry, Illinois writes:

I guess Heritage did not like my version of the 23rd psalm. I recited it at the supper table and nobody seemed to mind.

October 3, 2009 David R. Snyder Autota, Co. writes:

All you will hear from BO will be campaign speeches. He will say one thing and then do another. He will lie and deny. He will take credit and fix blame. He is the first president we have ever had on On The Job Training! The demoncrats will accuse the Republicans of doing things they themselves HAVE done or Willing to do. They have an agenda! More Gov’t control of our lives. They can accomplish this by keeping us divided. Everyone must think, not as a Republican, Democrat, or Independent, but as an AMERICAN. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

October 3, 2009 David R. Snyder Aurora, Co. writes:

I typed my city wrong. It is Aurora not Autota.

October 3, 2009 HSR0601 writes:

I think the “early adoption” of 21st energy and health care reform is capable of putting the job market on a solid ground.

As a major driver, IT industry stalled and stranded in a game industry for the lack of 21st energy policy over the stretch of two petrol wars needs to evolve into the all but indefinite energy, medical, and academic industry where the investors are eagerly waiting for policy-makers to act now ((100s of Companies (with $13 Trillion) Are Demanding Strong Climate Deal in Copenhagen just like environmental activists)), which I guess is why the far-reaching and long overdue health care and 21st energy bill have come into focus.

I still think the densely populated countries are consuming such incredible natural resources right now that inefficiency as it is is not allowed any more. In the face of drastic dent in fossil fuels, supposedly computer came up as a primary and the most efficient substitute for them.

We are now living in a digitalized society, and those energy, medical, and academic industries are the last remainders to work out and the most expansive, potential arenas as they are involved in all generations, unlike a game industry.

In respect to the adoption of two crucial changes, the sooner, the much better because reinstating the jobless costs far more than lay-off, as is often the case. I’d say it is past time to end bickering around common sense : A public health policy, contemporary energy, and financial normalcy.

Thank You !

October 3, 2009 marcia writes:

dear harleyj you forgot to mention what favor your koolaid is…..

October 4, 2009 Ella QUINN N.C. writes:

Obama is not cleaning up as much of a mess as he is making his self.He is ruining us,our economy and everything else he can.He was a senator in the white house when bush was in their.He was a democrat, they were in charge the last 3 years bush was in office.Why cant some of you see what he is doing to us and you.People bashed bush a lot when he was in office wherewere you gloria? They still bashed him.Obama is the one to bash unless you want him to destroy all of us.

October 4, 2009 mike smith writes:

NAFTA & GATT chickens have come home to roost. R Perot was right we are now hearing the end of that giant sucking sound.

October 5, 2009 Billy Jr. Harrisburg, Pa writes:

Yes, it is incredible what emotion, lack of discernment, fear and chauvinism can bring about. All of the enlightened ignorance I see around me is quite disturbing, however, rest assured, this President will eventually run out of political capital/gas. Hopefully sooner, rather than later.

Up with liberty and retrenchment!!

Viva La Reagan Revolucion!

October 5, 2009 Ella QUINN N.C. writes:

Way to go Bill from san antoino texas.

October 6, 2009 Lynn B. DeSpain writes:

What took the Germans to see in Hitler’s false commitments, leadership and blame, took decades. The American People have seen through Obama in a mere nine months!

October 13, 2009 Get Out of Debt and Survive the Depression writes:

[...] “nothing to worry about” because “the fundamentals are strong,” and that there was “no danger” of an economic [...]

October 22, 2009 Stimulus Fail: New Hampshire Edition | Conservative Principles Now writes:

[...] See also: The Obama Jobs Gap Grows to 7.6 Million [...]

November 4, 2009 Morning Bell: The State of Conservatism is Strong « SprayKing.ca writes:

[...] create 7 million jobs in government alone, although he tried.  As of now, President Obama is 7.6 million jobs short of his promise to the American people, and that number is unfortunately growing.  Obama’s response has [...]

November 6, 2009 10% Unemployment Shows Objective Failure of Obama Stimulus « wehategringos.com writes:

[...] Luckily the American people do not need to count on phony new jobs studies to provide the objective data necessary to hold President Barack Obama accountable for his economic policies. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has been collecting accepted and standardized data employment data since the 1940s. When President Obama was selling his $787 billion stimulus to the American people he promised unemployment would never rise above 7.8% and that by 2010 the U.S. economy would employ … [...]

November 7, 2009 10% Unemployment Shows Objective Failure of Obama Stimulus « Conservative Thoughts and Profundity writes:

[...] Luckily the American people do not need to count on phony new jobs studies to provide the objective data necessary to hold President Barack Obama accountable for his economic policies. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has been collecting accepted and standardized data employment data since the 1940s. When President Obama was selling his $787 billion stimulus to the American people he promised unemployment would never rise above 7.8% and that by 2010 the U.S. economy would employ … [...]

November 10, 2009 Morning Bell: The State of Conservatism is Strong | Conservative Principles Now writes:

[...] create 7 million jobs in government alone, although he tried.  As of now, President Obama is 7.6 million jobs short of his promise to the American people, and that number is unfortunately growing.  Obama’s response has [...]

November 13, 2009 Morning Bell: 10% Unemployment Shows Objective Failure of Obama Stimulus | Conservative Principles Now writes:

[...] Luckily the American people do not need to count on phony new jobs studies to provide the objective data necessary to hold President Barack Obama accountable for his economic policies. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics has been collecting accepted and standardized data employment data since the 1940s. When President Obama was selling his $787 billion stimulus to the American people he promised unemployment would never rise above 7.8% and that by 2010 the U.S. economy would employ … [...]